Seneca Rocks in late December?

I'll be in the area near the end of December, but having never been to Seneca Rocks (or any other area in WV), I'm unsure of how realistic getting a good weather day will be.

Based on the beta here and weather.com, I've been telling myself "average temps in the mid-40's means south-facing routes will be fine." I've climbed in other regions with similar temps, but some of the beta makes it sound like the season ends (for most reasonably-minded folks) in November.

Am I being overly optimistic? Either way, I'll probably bring the gear and hope for the best, but I could use some help convincing the wife of the value in my plan.

Also, any recommendations for places to stay in the area other than camping? It will be me and the wife with no camping gear, so we're hoping for a b&b or similar.

Doable, but you'll need to chase the sun.
East side in the morning...moving to west side in the afternoon.

Yokum's for lodging.

PS: Additional options - good area caving tours, and the Green Bank Observatory (very cool).

Keep in mind, that part of the country doesn't get much sun in December, but it could happen.

The stair master (approach) might be a problem, depending on which way it is facing.

was there two years ago around the new year. chilly and high humidity, eventually got rained/snowed off. still got out and enjoyed the day. had the place to ourselves. i'd give it a shot, you never know.

Went one day in December 2007, 18 degrees, blowing snow. Still got in the first pitch of Old Ladies route. But that day was my only chance while on the east coast so I was pretty determined.

Thanks for the very helpful replies, folks. (and the links, DaveB!)

part of the country doesn't get much sun in December
Yep, an all too familiar weather forecast up here in New England. We'll be in the area for a bit over a week and can pick the best weather window for climbing.

All in all, sounds worth a try, but: The stair master (approach) might be a problem

That is discouraging...does it ice up, get covered with heavy snow or both? I'm hanging on to the "might" part of that statement. If there is a chance we'd get hit with a big storm that is one thing, but a different story if the status quo is lots of ice and snow on the ground/rock (regardless of current temps/sun conditions).

What was the approach like for you folks who've climbed there in winter?

Hi Eric - my wife's parents used to live in Rockville, MD (just north of D.C.), and every time we visited for 7-10 days over Christmas, I would plan on a climbing day or two (locally at Carderock, and/or a drive to Seneca). As long as you have the freedom to choose the day you go climbing, I think you have a decent chance of finding good weather. I used to leave Rockville around 5 or 6 in the morning, drive to Seneca (3-4 hr, if I remember correctly), rope solo all day long, and then drive back in the late afternoon. It's always easier to rope solo in chilly weather because you are moving all the time, but I think I recall always finding a day where it was forecasted to be in the mid to high 50s in D.C. -- I think standing around and belaying a partner on those days would be fine (bring a belay parka). I'm pretty sure I remember one year where the weather was perfect, and I was climbing in a t-shirt by late morning.

I'd pack the gear. Even if the weather turns out to be disappointing on the day you choose, the area around Seneca is beautiful, and you can always just take the hike to the top of the north formation as a backup plan.

fabulous -- thanks, Bernard! And, it doesn't sound like the approach was generally an issue. We're psyched to see the area, so a hike to the summit of the north formation sounds like a great option if it's too cold to climb...easy to find trailhead?

And, any other recommended hikes would be much appreciated.

Eric Dearing wrote:...any other recommended hikes would be much appreciated.

thanks, Dave! I feel a bit guilty that I didn't think to check out GORP, but I really appreciate you taking the time and passing it along.

Eric - in my experience, the approach is not to be worried about. It's just a trail through the woods; I don't recall much in the way of snow/ice. Obviously if the place got blasted by a big storm prior to your arrival, you may find some obstacles. But I don't recall any problem with snow/ice at all. Locals may be better able to provide an informed opinion. I'm thinking if the weather is nice (and has been for a day or two), then the rock will be dry, and you'll find a way through whatever snow exists to get your climbing fix.

Trailhead is very easy to find. You park in some lots that were updated by the forest service some years ago, cross the river on a nice bridge, and then turn left for the N Peak trail (my wife and I took our kids up the trail last time we were here; it was summer). I'm sure there are signs in the lot that will make it all very clear (and the visitor center may be open?). You'll likely be turning right after the bridge to access the climbs you'd want to do in the winter.

Other recommended activities: there used to be a rope swing in a tree left of the leftmost parking lot; great swimming hole in the river where you could launch off the rope into the swimming hole. But you should probably save that activity for a summer visit ;-)